The Desolation of Dragon Pride & Re-birth as a Servant of the Lord!

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The Desolation of Dragon Pride & Re-birth as a Servant of the Lord! ,
Dear Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Last two chapters - end with Neb's praise, this one breaks pattern, less suspense - begins and ends with praise -even though a crisis inmiddle. But begs us to ask question: "what leads to Neb' joyful outburst" and a letter, official proclamation - if pagan king - is there any authority and air of reality when I praise my God ….
Pride is not just a morally bad thing, it is a spiritually bad thing. A morally bad thing may get you a slap on the wrist a punishment. It may also wreck your life; and the lives of those around you. But a spriitually bad thing - is not only cosmic reberllion against God - it is suicide of your life - We see both desolations of the dragon pride at work in Neb and his empire - and though God’s people -his suffering humbled people may fear and cower ,even envy those proud Babylonians, the events of contain a message you and I must heed a message three times repeated, once by the Angel, the watcher in Daniel’s dream , Once by Daniel as he intreprets the dream ; and once by Neb himself as he learns from his dream:
Key Truth : Your pride must be utterly slayed, if you are to escape the desolation of pride, and humbly become s servant of the LORD
What sets apart this episode of God’s work from last last two chapters - Both ch 2 and 3 end with Neb's praise. Obviously Neb not truly getting what God is teaching. But this one breaks pattern, less suspense - begins and ends with praise -even though a crisis in middle. But begs us to ask question: "what leads to Neb' joyful outburst" and a letter, official proclamation - This is a pagan king declaring ot the world - I am humbled, I don’t rule God does and I want everyone to know it. I*f Neb experienced this - w/o X, how official how much zeal and any authority and air of reality when I praise my God ….
Whether
Last two chapters - end with Neb's praise, this one breaks pattern, less suspense - begins and ends with praise -even though a crisis in middle. But begs us to ask question: "what leads to Neb' joyful outburst" and a letter, official proclamation - if pagan king - is there any authority and air of reality when I praise my God ….
= "I want my world to know" It onlly takes a spark… not just spontaneous -but mission = proc to world!
A. The Problem of Pride (vv.4,19-22)
Can you imagine if everyone set their clock willy nilly - chaos ensued… my time is right no mine is. So what do we do - Greenwich Mean time - Living inthis town in England - Axis of the World. Clockmakers like Mr. Ten Boom - travel to big city astronimical clock and take his very best watch - set all the othersi n the shop by it.
A.
Well this tree as Ezekiel shows in similar prophecy to Babylonian king - represents idea of kingship - dominant picture in ANE - the cosmic tree in the middle of the Land = axis mundi… = symbol of fertility, growth, prosperity, not only life, but life-giver, provide, sustain, protect!
Represents the divine world order maintained by the king as the repof the god Assur, emobdied in the winged disk hovering above the tree!
As a matter of fact, Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom stretched from what is today Egypt to western Iran and from modern Syria into Saudi Arabia, encompassing many different cultures and language groups.
And while an image-bearer - rep God - Adam and ultimately Christ was to reign on earth. Daniel reveals that Neb you don’t just think of yourself as a regent ruling on behalf of God; no you think you are the tree!
Daniel 4:22 ESV
it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the ends of the earth.
Daniel
And the main message of the dream is no - God is sovereign and you are not! Neb partly get s that lesson in way didn’t before and with an urgency he is declaring that everywhere in his world!
MAP - be kind of like in time of Reformation - true gospel to neighbouring cities, lands… do we have a part in this enterprise are we ZEALOUS for it!
Not just a moral lesson be humble, but spiritual lesson how we live by faith, humbly yet boldly not fearing circumstances of kings of this world, announcing Reign of LORD!
This whole chapter is in the form of royal proclamation, language Daniel seemed to help write - and he confesses in v.3 as he walks the balconey roof of his house… like Rich Fool - taking stock of kingdom he built… and was a master buildre - heart captured by his business, his success. He shows what his heart was fixated on:
Daniel 4:4 ESV
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace.
Main point 3x on Angel's lips, Daniel's Lips, from Heaven: v.17,25,32 = the most High rules the kingdom of men, and gives it to whom he will! - not just a moral lesson but connected to how we live by faith, humbly yet boldly not fearing circumstances of kings of this world!
What is your heat fixated on? What do you day dream about? Daniel says - like Nathan many years later - you the man! Must have realized something bad - in that tree vision - only goes to Daniel as last resort - maybe pros can counsel me otherwise. Nothing.
= Neb and many of us are living as if no one rules kingdom of men - what is Neb's aim, where does he see himself heading = we should be able to answer that question! Same question God asks of the rich fool in Jesus parable - said soul take your ease -
But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’
Luke 12:20 ESV
But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’
He is acknowledging no room in his thoughts for God - no time for listening to God's voice = he was living evading God! - ever so focused - so impressed with yourself - days full of evading God
Hebrew mindset because edict is probably written with Daniel's help to praise the LORD…
Buthen this dream, revealtino from God intrudes on his prosperity and contentment. Doubt and fear enter! And look a this pride even hear the messag of Lord, 2x his wonders - still no change in his life, a whole year passes - the Lord giving opprtunity to repent; and his sin grows to fullest moment and look what happens:
Hre is the capstone of his pride: That was the capstone of his pride: Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?
Daniel 4:30 ESV
and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?”
Babylon contained two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens and the city walls. The location of the Hanging Gardens is in doubt but the walls have been traced. The outer wall stretched for more than 8 kilometers and, according to Herodotus, had enough space on top to enable a four-horse chariot to turn around.14 Nebuchadnezzar had much to do with the greatness of Babylon.
= he gave the orders, he paid the bills - but pride blinds from braoder reality - that only do these thigns as God gave… ie Deut in the land - our wealth…
Word still on lips, and this time after long time of warning, instant judgment from LORD
Word still on lips, and this time after long time of warning, instant judgment from LORD
B. Pride Must be Dismantled and We Must Be Banded (vv.23-27)
Story that gives rise to praise
Dream Report4-18
Now the plot thickens. The watcher - divine figure in ANE - messengere from heaven in v. 14 Bark orders - dismantle the tree - chop, lop , strip , scatter- bronze band around stump = though tree is to be desolate - it is not to be killed = roots are not touched , band of iron and bronze - no botancial practice, but move to imagery of a beast - bound for 7 times/years
He speaks in the first person, employing a form similar to neo-Babylonian royal inscriptions.9 He begins by stating his prosperity and contentment. THEN dream intrudes and doubt and fear enter! Call pros
Have you had a Neb experience with Daniel, David with Nathan - first working of the Holy Spirit - you are the man - you have a pride problem don’t even realize it - conviction - confession lead to change!
But it must go further look at what the watcher concludes with -
Daniel 4:17 ESV
The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’
Think of how pride comes before the fall. How God raises kings and kingdoms up - to show nothing lasts, nothing is absolute - Did you see the picture of Sadam Hussein and his sons… Megalomaniac - power corrupts - - "A man who thinks he is like a god, must become a beast to learn that he is only a human being." Name for this disease in ancient world!
ellwell, appropriate judgment - "A man who thinks he is like a god, must become a beast to learn that he is only a human being."
Insania Zoanthropica - think yoru a beast and imitate them!
Lycanthropia - afflicted one imagines himself to be a wolf - recognized widely in ancient times - ie Dead Sea Scrools say last king of Babylon - Nabonidus suffered for 7 years.. Too.. king was out of it and direct judgment from God - other governments too France, Denmark, England, Bavaria - Charles IV, Christian VII, George III, Otho… went mad.
Self-made alienation and isolation -
Seven years of dreadful inward solitary confinement - whole personality tragically deformed
Wallace = "There is no doubt that today what is wrong with so many of us, whether we belong to church or not, is that we will not listen to the word of God; we will not carefully face all the issues that require to be resolved between him and us - won't stop to ask which is the good way the best, way leads to lblessing = lead to bewilderment - who am I what doing … Need counsellor like Daniel - lead to listen to Word again ..
If in West building a Babylon without God, may come a time when we have to go through 7 years of chaotic darkness, deprivation - to learn way of Lord again …
And so Daniel like the porohets thundering their message - not relishing to give the bad news but knowing he must out of love - he gives the counsel of what Neb should have done before the judgment fell, butr certianly in the middle of it:
Daniel 4:27 ESV
Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.”
These are no to simple moral changes for Neb to make. Daniel is exhorting the King to exhibit the qualities that another King the Messiah has been propehsied to exhibit - The most humble king - who with all his power truly servant of all!
in not showing mercy to wretched and oppressed! - Christ will rule the poor in a just, wise and gentle way - give ear to complaints! = method of violence and oppression, and self-glorification = Anti-Christ… = no place left for Christ, sevants of the Lord even in arena of family, church, education, = SIN not manifesting the image of God, of Christ, but self-glorification! Christ didn't seek glory for himself, yet so many Xns say I want my own way, I refuse to give up my rights my comfort. Look after outselves with little regard for others! Where is Christ's image reflected inyour life? Where is he present?
But look what must happen, during the banding of the kingdom and the king:
Note the description person with claw lifke hands, eagles talons - creative hands forw into claws to destroy one another… Powerful rules of this earth and all their counseleors… insane beast like actions… Book of Revelation human culture births an Anti-Christ, a beast rising out of the sea, among turbeulent nations… possessed of the insanity of the devil… course of history not unfetterered progresss, but relfected in miniature in the story of Neb…. The kings heart becomes a beast… kingdms depreciating value - gold, silver, bronze, iron and clay feet
Christ's work is to stop the devil work and restore God's image to us! As soon as Christ becomes operative in our lives, we find it impossible to to go on glorifying oureslves… atone for inqiuities by caring for poor… reform life - or sin of pride will start detroyingyourlife… Plea to have communion with Christ to be re-made in his image, not to continue in slavery to sin…
By way of application - understand not only that you must kill your pride, but like Daniel - when we see weakness, pride and sin in others - we are called with love to not just drop a judgment, but with specificty perosnally call pepole to the Lord and His will.
Problem with so much counselling, only take you so far - but gets them focused on themselves, obseessed with their problems. Need Daniel’s in our lives, to be Daniel’s to each other - speak beyond the dreams of this world , in the darkest trials of our life - need those who know the solution is with the LORD.
C) When God Slays our Pride, He Will Raise Us Up As Humble Servants & Zealous Proclaimers (vv.34-37)
At the end of the appt time, seven-times -
Not botanical gardening practice to band trees with iron and bronze, but image changes in the second half of the dream - - realize pride has made him beast like -
Why delay - prof tech and Daniel - big difference since wise only from gift from LORD
King hasn't gotten it yet - refers to Daniel - with Babylonian name which connects to king's native god, calls him as whom the spirit of the gods = polytheist! Like post-modern - just absorb LORD , spirituallity into present framework = CAREFUL same words, names very different meaning!
Daniel 4:34 ESV
At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
Prime Meridian, - kind of like CorrieTen Boom' father - get on train… journey set clock by… This cosmic tree in the middle of the Land = axis mundi… = symbol of fertility, growth, prosperity, not only life, but life-giver, provide, sustain, protect!
Action of looking to hills, to heavens, action looking beyond - to acknowledge God's ultimate supremacy! How often do you do that? It is your health - togive the life look to God - restoressanity - understand your place in the scheme of God's world, and His kingdom!
Ezekiel also links - life-gving tree to kingship - and judgment… in ANE cosmic Tree represents the divine world order maintained by the king as the repof the god Assur, emobdied in the winged disk hovering above the tree!
Bill Bright Campus Crusdae for Christ - simplest illustration - throne on your heart - S or G!
That is the answer to cvome to that poit with the Messiah Jesus Christ. Whether Neb was truly converted? Not the point - his kingdom was supposed to point to Christ's kingdom - graciously permitted to do that - yes possible maybe even likely mustard seed of faith…
The problem = 4-12
But point of text is God's people in all times - God in heaven punishes and avenges lords of this world, - who abuse, desecrate - without taknig notice of divine warnings … self-glorification must be dealt with - when it is - things put right when give glory to God!
The implications for are clear: Nebuchadnezzar’s dream shows that he identifies himself with the cosmic tree; he is the keeper of the cosmos, the true image of God, the Perfect Man.
God's desire not for chaos - restores earhtly peace of kingdom even if not conversion, even if use praise, and opporotnity for his earthly ends - pointing to someone else -Neb could only announce worldly peace… But Cvhrist is born and reall announcement still ringing today: Peace on Earth - Christ … - Babylon's was a false peace, multiplied… But Prepared the way for
v.4 ease in my house, and prospering in my palace = not just facts, but his confession of where trouble lay, folly that led him wrong… no room in his thoughts for God - no time for listening to God's voice = he was living evading God! - ever so focused - so impressed with yourself - days full of evading God
1 Peter 1:2 ESV
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
all want peace, only find it on that hill of Calvary - where peace and righteousness - on great and glorious day of Lord - all kings of earth - will glorifythe kingo f heaven - mayit be that we do so now by reflecting His image…Nb's acknwoledgement of the LORD before just lip service and exploit for unity of kingdom - not sure after - but the lesson that God is teaching him is clear. Neb you were just willing to concede I am Most High God, among other gods that I rule. Where? In the heavens! Not good enough says Ddaniel - Says the Angel - The LORD reign "Down here" and you in the kingdom of men, must find His rule and reign and get His will done!
The Plot = 13-
I wil show you I humble and lift up , put lowliest over the kingdom!
Appearance of Watcher = messenger- supernatural being
Like funeral of Louis XIV 77 year 110 days, longest reigning monarch in Euopean history - absolute power - wealth - and Massilon goes up to preach the funeral service with full view of dead king in open coffin decked inregalia "beins by twice repeating the cry "Only God is great!"
Bark orders - dismantle the tree - chop, lop , strip , scatter- bronze band around stump = though tree is to be desolate - it is not to be killed = roots are not touched , band of iron and bronze - no botancial practice, but move to imagery of a beast - bound for 7 times/years
And Listen to how he will do it:
Motive behind the Desolation of Tree
Blessed oare the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth!
=
In the bible it is foolishness to take the attidue to legitmate authority - absolute independence
The dream ends with the watcher’s proclamation concerning the motive behind this desolation. It is clearly expressed in verse 17: “that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.”
For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”
The Interpretation
Neb as powerful as he was, realize he had takentat attitude with the living God - realizes now -Daniel 4:235 no one can stay LORD's hand, or say to him, "What have you done?"
Royal proc, first-person testimony of king displaced by a third person, narrator!
Why not - for God is King of heaven, and he is King of all!
Knows God of Daniel, knows dark -e vil imaginations of this dream are against him - go to other interpreters -rather than face the music - But necessity go to Daniel!
There is the lesson, that a pagan king, a draggon of pride - was totaught by living LORD - for us:
Remarkable relationship Daniel has - almost like some concentration camps - Neb destroyed Jerusalem, possibly Daniel's on family - yet concern for enemy - hesitates to give bad news - spirit of Christ's love …but not in contrast with truth - heart of preaching - no spare the most secret sins, shakes up even most pious, thou are the man!
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
No pleasure in confronting - doing int in love - but also in such a way that - bring trouble his wakens, his sin to the LORD - so much counselling today tends to focus patient's eyes on themselves- own problems, their inner state - RP how about sense of purpose before God, trustin his providence - good Christain counsel helps us to look away from ourselves and our emtoins and moods, diffucltiies ad problems - and as John Clavin put it in his institutes: "Fix both eyes on the mercy of God alone… and on His power as it is revealed in Christ!@
Do not minimize this lesson into a moralism - by humble not proud.. But think of what this dream revealed to God's oppressed people - they are powerless, forgetting their identitty - under thumb of pagan culture andking - need to askyourself daily - who is in control here?
Deal with big questino ultimately where will you direct people to look for help in their troubles!!
Direct link to Christ will defeat the eschatological Babylon =
Yet keeps nothing back, shows critical position he is in with living God… sternness and directness - You O king, now you are that man…
G. K. Beale’s point that Christ’s title in - Most King of Heaven… he rules the kingdom of heaven
Glorious tree subject to judgment = you are the man! World empire life and protection and sustenance - lifegiver will be humbled and become beast like
Revelation 17:14 ESV
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
has its origin in is relevant here. He argues that “by the application of this title to Christ, the author may view God’s sovereign humbling of the King of Babylon in as a typological prophecy of Christ’s sovereign defeat of the end-time foe who is closely associated with eschatological Babylon” (see “The Origin of the Title ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords’
Shows God is using all humanpowers, even those hostile to his name, Babylonian king is powerless in his own right to alter God's paln for his people , even in their suffering…
But note like typocial OT prohesy - not an annoucement of mechanical fatalistic - comes with covenantal proimse and warning - the tone is that of
Neb couldn't harm a hair on the head of one of God's people, Neb couldn't undertand the mysteries of his dreams apart from the servants of the Lord! Neb gets a moral lesson that he has a hard time remembering - he makes and breaks individuals, commands armies, nations coffer, he sits on the throne - be humble king yes; but
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
People of God, do not cower over the things that God is fully Soveriengly in control over! You may be facing an enemy over which you seem to have no power - crippling disablity, disease, psychological disoreder, abusive family members - no God will ultimately humble the proud, and he wil use your humble service . No point proudly defying his plan for you to live in humble service. To stand around asking how dare you God, allow this… look to Christ, for if you live as if you are God - you will be humbled, butifyou humbly live as incanrate God on earth did- you wil be lifted up!
= settle dispute by reasoning speaking to each other - not just a dream, but a watcher, not just dream with watcher, BUT a counsellor - same word a king - daniel give skingly counsel to king - even tonight calling you and I to the same!
Neb acknoeldged that LORD righteously disciplined him, even discipled him for his pride, but not mindful of divine grace which he had been shown in mercy - but you and I - in God's dealing with us, not only disicplined but forgiven, restored not to sanity and fruitful labour - but to Christ!
Like - lift up your head and undertand the final desiny of the arrogant and the prosperous who ignore or attack God. v.19 Swept away by terrors! Call with the Psalmist:
Psalm 73:23–24 ESV
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Lift up your head and call on the one who builds the house, and if not building with him, it is in vain- watches and protects the city that lasts ;
And people of God - do you have any achievements, status, possessions, jobs, - don't place your worth in those things, measure by them; recognize as gifts from God to used in His plans and His kingdom.. Even Neb - rescued out of whirl pool of pride - by a simples look to heaven, a cry for help, a recognition of superior power… It culminates in this prideful, self-centred man - saying He himself, and all the people's of the earth are regarded as nothing - to majesty of God - and in doing so God makes him something again!
BUT conditional message:
And people of God - do you have any achievements, status, possessions, jobs, - don't place your worth in those things, measure by them; recognize as gifts from God to used in His plans and His kingdom.. Even Neb - rescued out of whirl pool of pride - by a simples look to heaven, a cry for help, a recognition of superior power… It culminates in this prideful, self-centred man - saying He himself, and all the people's of the earth are regarded as nothing - to majesty of God - and in doing so God makes him something again!
Even Neb - rescued out of whirl pool of pride - by a simples look to haven, a cry for help, a recognition of superior power… It culminates in this prideful, self-centred man - saying He himself, and all the people's of the earth are regarded as nothing - to majesty of God - and in doing so God makes him something again!
Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.”
Consider, another king with power even greater than Neb, not fleeting like Pres or PM, lasts yeaers, agaes. Eternity > Consider King Jesus - Neb glorified himself as if he were a god - it is the way of pride - leds to fall. But consider King Jesus whose great fall, his descent from heaven to earth, from glory toall the humiliation entailed in serving … His fall into servanthood, his humility - in pattern of this lesson - leads to exaltation!
Personally and specifically with heart piercing words, to begin healling process! Some say call to conversion, but not avert judgment, restore and prolong prosperity… Call to exhibit same qualities that Messiah will in his kingdom = his sin to fail to do so!
Consider, another king with power even greater than Neb, not fleeting like Pres or PM, lasts yeaers, agaes. Eternity > Consider King Jesus - Neb glorified himself as if he were a god - it is the way of pride - leds to fall. But consider King Jesus whose great fall, his descent from heaven to earth, from glory toall the humiliation entailed in serving … His fall into servanthood, his humility - in pattern of this lesson - leads to exaltation!
Secular wisemen only help so far, don't speak beyond the dream into his life - recognize in darkest trials of our lives, need a word from the Lord and often by counseling with tis word of one another - not all your troubles are supposed to be carried alone!
No human, no Xn can take on divine airs, go through life with those around them - as if they are to be served, catered too - God himself truly glorious one - voluntarily humbles himself - becoms the servant!
= stop sin, be kind - don't fall prey to temptation to think himself god! In spite of greatness, he must retain humility!
Take comfort knowing God is in control - and you ca walk the path of humilty and service with Jesus!
= also shows negative part of his sin, in not showing mercy to wretched and oppressed! - Christ will rule the poor in a just, wise and gentle way - give ear to complaints! = method of violence and oppression, and self-glorification = Anti-Christ… = no place left for Christ, sevants of the Lord even in arena of family, church, education, = SIN not manifesting the image of God, of Christ, but self-glorification! Christ didn't seek glory for himself, yet so many Xns say I want my own way, I refuse to give up my rights my comfort. Look after outselves with little regard for others! Where is Christ's image reflected inyour life? Where is he present?
28-33 The Fulfillment of the Dream
Neb acknoeldged that LORD righteous\ly punished, even discipled him for his pride, but not mindful of divine grace which he had been shown in mercy - but you and I - in God's dealing with us, not only disicplined but forgiven, restored not to sanity and fruitful labour - but to Christ!
No q - didn't listen; given a whole year… Then mid-sentence stopped in his boasting…
Like - lift up your head and undertand the final desiny of the arrogant and the prosperous who ignore or attack God. v.19 Swept away by terrors! Call with the Psalmist:
v28 All this came upon King Neb..
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Details of tragedy - either year of caution or continued and God waited until moment of monumental pride to exercise judgment
Lift up your head and call on the one who builds the house, and if not building with him, it is in vain- watches and protects the city that lasts ; boast only in the LORD
Walking on roof in ANE - flat with parapet - provides living space - doing what rich fool did - at night, count, survey, plan = marvel at his own grandeur!
Culture that self-esteem is in; guilt and shame out - false shame, acusation of Satan guilt - but life isn't about fostering strong sene of self-worth in ourselves andothers - redemptive sense of shame and guilt - humbles us - drives us to a loving who stand with us, when no one else will! Neb experienced that gift of return of snaity - And we who llive to serve and not be served, proclaiming God and His grace in Jesus - will know the same! W
He had much to "proud of" majesty, builder =
Have you forgotten Lord in good times, God needs to turn you back to Him? Jesus endured the shame of the cross because of joy - redeeming bro and sisters … Inivted to bear his disgrace and offer ourselves as a sacrfice of praise to Gods' glory and goodness!
Babylon contained two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens and the city walls. The location of the Hanging Gardens is in doubt but the walls have been traced. The outer wall stretched for more than 8 kilometers and, according to Herodotus, had enough space on top to enable a four-horse chariot to turn around.14 Nebuchadnezzar had much to do with the greatness of Babylon.
Conclusion: Lear mistakenly believes that Cordelia is disloyal and orders her "out of [his] sight," his pal, Kent, gives him the following advice: "See better, Lear" (1.1.179, 118). In other words, Kent implies that Lear is "blind" to the fact Cordelia is the "good" daughter while Goneril and Regan are a couple of evil spawn.
When Lear mistakenly believes that Cordelia is disloyal and orders her "out of [his] sight," his pal, Kent, gives him the following advice: "See better, Lear" (1.1.179, 118). In other words, Kent implies that Lear is "blind" to the fact Cordelia is the "good" daughter while Goneril and Regan are a couple of evil spawn.
= he gave the orders, he paid the bills - but pride blinds from braoder reality - that only do these thigns as God gave… ie Deut in the land - our wealth…
We can take this a step further by saying that the root of all Lear's problems is his lack of good judgment—he foolishly divides his kingdom, stages a silly love test to determine which daughter cares for him the most, etc.
That was the capstone of his pride: Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?
When everything starts going wrong and Lear is stuck outside in the storm he has hit his lowest point. "Doth any here know me? This is not Lear: Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?" (I..IV.218-222) Here Lear does not even recognize himself anymore. This blindness has taken over all his judgment. He knows he is not the powerful ruler of Britain that he once was. Lear’s blindness causes him to go mad but by the time Lear realized his death sentence was alright written and it was too late. Lear was his own worst enemy and it ended up costing him his life as well as the life of his most beloved daughter Cordelia.
Word still on lips, and this time after long time of warning, instant judgment from LORD
Like Glouster need to see with new eyes - Like Sampson - eyes out see clearly -
Voice from heaven decrees his doom = kingdom departs v.31, but more though he doesn't thinkimself a beast - his insanity drives him to the open spaces, where he acts like an animal, neglecting hygene, wildman becomes animal like in appearance!
Although, when Gloucester’s eyes were literally plucked from his head and he
Note the description person with claw lifke hands, eagles talons - creative hands forw into claws to destroy one another… Powerful rules of this earth and all their counseleors… insane beast like actions… Book of Revelation human culture births an Anti-Christ, a beast rising out of the sea, among turbeulent nations… possessed of the insanity of the devil… course of history not unfetterered progresss, but relfected in miniature in the story of Neb…. The kings heart becomes a beast…
lost his eyesight, he was thrown out of the kingdom only to find his loyal son Edgar. Gloucester says:
Christ's work is to stop the devil work and restore God's image to us! As soon as Christ becomes operative in our lives, we find it impossible to to go on glorifying oureslves… atone for inqiuities by caring for poor… reform life - or sin of pride will start detroyingyourlife… Plea to have communion with Christ to be re-made in his image, not to continue in slavery to sin…
lost his eyesight, he was thrown out of the kingdom only to find his loyal son Edgar. Gloucester says:
Fellwell, appropriate judgment - "A man who thinks he is like a god, must become a beast to learn that he is only a human being."
"I have no way, and therefore want no eyes.
Insania Zoanthropica - think yoru a beast and imitate them!
I stumbled when I saw. Full oft ’tis seen,
Lycanthropia - afflicted one imagines himself to be a wolf - recognized widely in ancient times - ie Dead Sea Scrools say last king of Babylon - Nabonidus suffered for 7 years.. Too.. king was out of it and direct judgment from God - other governments too France, Denmark, England, Bavaria - Charles IV, Christian VII, George III, Otho… went mad.
Our means secure us and our mere defects
Seven years of dreadful inward solitary confinement - whole personality tragically deformed
Prove our commodities. O dear son Edgar,
Wallace = "There is no doubt that today what is wrong with so many of us, whether we belong to church or not, is that we will not listen to the word of God; we will not carefully face all the issues that require to be resolved between him and us - won't stop to ask which is the good way the best, way leads to lblessing = lead to bewilderment - who am I what doing … Need counsellor like Daniel - lead to listen to Word again ..
The food of thy abus d father’s wrath,
If in West building a Babylon without God, may come a time when we have to go through 7 years of chaotic darkness, deprivation - to learn way of Lord again …
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,
Ie. Proverbs - let anothers lips praise you, pride comes before the fall
I’d say I had eyes again!" (IV.I.19-25) (Gloucester)
And in that fall - mustlike in Shakespeare's play MacBeth - see thou more clearly - for it is only one whoknows himself frail, human, fallen, dependent on Lord - that sees clearly and learns humlity!
In these lines he states that he could not see clearly when he had eyes. He says that having eyes made him spoiled and now that they are gone it is somewhat advantageous for now he knows the truth. This is when Gloucester realizes that he was wrong all along and the good son is really Edgar who saved his life even when he was in danger himself. Gloucester also knew, then, that Edmund is the evil son and had planned to take over the kingdom all along.l>
But for MacBeth/Lear - it is too late, tragedy even in learningg the lessoncan't be reversed, but not so with the gospel of Grace even as it is prefigured here with the Sov work of God in Neb.
From <https://sites.google.com/site/4ukinglear/home/blindness-sight>
Gospel prescriptions from the LORD guaranteed to work!
From <https://sites.google.com/site/4ukinglear/home/blindness-sight>
34-37 Healing & Concluding Doxology:
From <http://www.shmoop.com/king-lear/vision-blindness-symbol.html>
At the end of the appt time, seven-times -
= in pride can't see rightly - act in ultiately self-destructive ways - destroy those around you - ironically maddness helps himsee better than proud king before maddness! Punishment greater than Neb’s awaits. But you make your glory King Jesus - you get new sight of humility in the LORD - all will be well!
At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
Point of - need a bit more maddness - fallen human race out of skew with pride…
Action of lookinng to hills, to heavens, action looking beyond - to acknowledge God's ultimate supremacy! How often do you do that? It is your health - togive the life look to God - restoressanity - understand your place in the scheme of God's world, and His kingdom!
That is the answer - truly converted? Not the point - his kingdom was supposed to point to Christ's kingdom - graciously permitted to do that - yes possible maybe even likely mustard seed of faith…
But point of text is gor God's people in all times - God in heaven punishes and avenges lords of this world, - who abuse, desecrate - without taknig notice of divine warnings … self-glorification must be dealt with - when it is - things put right when give glory to God!
God's desire not for chaos - restores earhtly peace of kingdom even if not conversion, even if use praise, and opporotnity for his earthly ends - pointing to someone else - Peace on Earth - Christ … - Babylon's was a false peace, multiplied… But Prepared the way for May grace and peace be multiplied to you… alll want peace, only find it on that hill of Calvary - where peace and righteousness - on great and glorious day of Lord - all kings of earth - will glorifythe kingo f heaven - mayit be that we do so now by reflecting His image…
Neb's acknwoledgement of the LORD before just lip service and exploit for unity of kingdom - not sure after - but the lesson that god is teaching him is clear. Neb you were just willing to concede I am Most High God, among other gods that I rule. Where? In the heavens! Not good enough says Ddaniel - Says the Angel - The LORD reign "Down here" and you in the kingdom of men, must find His rule and reign and get His will done!
I wil show you I humble and lift up , put lowliest over the kingdom!
Like funeral of Louis XIV 77 year 110 days, longest reigning monarch in Euopean history - absolute power - wealth - and Massilon goes up to preach the funeral service with full view of dead king in open coffin decked inregalia "beins by twice repeating the cry "Only God is great!"
And Listen to how he will do it:
Tblessed oare the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth!
In the bible it is foolishness to take the attidue to legitmate authority - absolute independence
For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”
Neb as powerful ashe was, realize he had takentat attitude with the living God - realizes now - "no one can stay LORD's hand, or say to him, "What have you done?"
Why not - for God is King of heaven, and he is King of all!
There is the lesson, that a pagan king, a draggon of pride - was totaught by living LORD - for us:
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Do not minimize this lesson into a moralism - by humble not proud.. T But think of what this dream revealed to God's oppressed people - they are powerless, forgetting their identitty - under thumb of pagan culture andking - need to askyourself daily - who is in control here?
Direct link to Christ will defeat the eschatological Babylon =
G. K. Beale’s point that Christ’s title in has its origin in is relevant here. He argues that “by the application of this title to Christ, the author may view God’s sovereign humbling of the King of Babylon in as a typological prophecy of Christ’s sovereign defeat of the end-time foe who is closely associated with eschatological Babylon” (see “The Origin of the Title ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords’
Shows God is using all humanpowers, even those hostile to his name, Babylonian king is powerless in his own right to alter God's paln for his people , even in their suffering…
Neb couldn't harm a hair on the head of one of God's people, Neb couldn't undertand the mysteries of his dreams apart from the servants of the Lord! Neb gets a moral lesson that he has a hard time remembering - he makes and breaks individuals, commands armies, nations coffer, he sits on the throne - be humble king yes; but
People of God, do not cower over the things that God is fully Soveriengly in control over!
And people of God - do you have any achievements, status, possessions, jobs, - don't place your worth in those things, measure by them; recognize as gifts from God to used in His plans and His kingdom..
Even Neb - rescued out of whirl pool of pride - by a simples look to haven, a cry for help, a recognition of superior power… It culminates in this prideful, self-centred man - saying He himself, and all the people's of the earth are regarded as nothing - to majesty of God - and in doing so God makes him something again!
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Consider, another king with power even greater than Neb, not fleeting like Pres or PM, lasts yeaers, agaes. Eternity > Consider King Jesus - Neb glorified himself as if he were a god - it is the way of pride - leds to fall. But consider King Jesus whose great fall, his descent from heaven to earth, from glory toall the humiliation entailed in serving … His fall into servanthood, his humility - in pattern of this lesson - leads to exaltation!
No human, no Xn can take on divine airs, go through life with those around them - as if they are to be served, catered too - God himself truly glorious one - voluntarily humbles himself - becoms the servant!
Take comfort knowing God is in control - and you ca walk the path of humilty and service with Jesus!
You may be facing an enemy over which you seem to have no power - crippling disablity, disease, psychological disoreder, abusive family members - no God will ultimately humble the proud, and he wil use your humble service . No point proudly defying his plan for you to live in humble service. To stand around asking how dareyou God, allow this… look to Christ, for if you live as if you are God - you will be humbled, butifyou humbly live as incanrate God on earth did- you wil be lifted up!
Neb acknoeldged that LORD righteous\ly punished, even discipled him for his pride, but not mindful of divine grace which he had been shown in mercy - but you and I - in God's dealing with us, not only disicplined but forgiven, restored not to sanity and fruitful labour - but to Christ!
Like - lift up your head and undertand the final desiny of the arrogant and the prosperous who ignore or attack God. v.19 Swept away by terrors! Call with the Psalmist:
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Lift up your head and call on the one who builds the house, and if not building with him, it is in vain- watches and protects the city that lasts ; boast only in the LORD
Culture that self-esteem is in; guilt and shame out - false shame, acusation of Satan guilt - but life isn't about fostering strong sene of self-worth in ourselves andothers - redemptive sense of shame and guilt - humbles us - drives us to a loving who stand with us, when no one else will! Neb experienced that gift of return of snaity -
Have you forgotten Lord in good times, God needs to turn you back to Him? Jesus endured the shame of the cross because of joy - redeeming bro and sisters … Inivted to bear his disgrace and offer ourselves as a sacrfice of praise to Gods' glory and goodness!
When Lear mistakenly believes that Cordelia is disloyal and orders her "out of [his] sight," his pal, Kent, gives him the following advice: "See better, Lear" (1.1.179, 118). In other words, Kent implies that Lear is "blind" to the fact Cordelia is the "good" daughter while Goneril and Regan are a couple of evil spawn.
We can take this a step further by saying that the root of all Lear's problems is his lack of good judgment—he foolishly divides his kingdom, stages a silly love test to determine which daughter cares for him the most, etc.
When everything starts going wrong and Lear is stuck outside in the storm he has hit his lowest point. "Doth any here know me? This is not Lear: Doth Lear walk thus? speak thus? Where are his eyes?" (I..IV.218-222) Here Lear does not even recognize himself anymore. This blindness has taken over all his judgment. He knows he is not the powerful ruler of Britain that he once was. Lear’s blindness causes him to go mad but by the time Lear realized his death sentence was alright written and it was too late. Lear was his own worst enemy and it ended up costing him his life as well as the life of his most beloved daughter Cordelia.
Like Glouster need to see with new eyes - Like Sampson - eyes out see clearly -
Although, when Gloucester’s eyes were literally plucked from his head and he
file:///C:/Users/HARRYF~1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg
lost his eyesight, he was thrown out of the kingdom only to find his loyal son Edgar. Gloucester says:
"I have no way, and therefore want no eyes.
I stumbled when I saw. Full oft ’tis seen,
Our means secure us and our mere defects
Prove our commodities. O dear son Edgar,
The food of thy abus d father’s wrath,
Might I but live to see thee in my touch,
I’d say I had eyes again!" (IV.I.19-25) (Gloucester)
In these lines he states that he could not see clearly when he had eyes. He says that having eyes made him spoiled and now that they are gone it is somewhat advantageous for now he knows the truth. This is when Gloucester realizes that he was wrong all along and the good son is really Edgar who saved his life even when he was in danger himself. Gloucester also knew, then, that Edmund is the evil son and had planned to take over the kingdom all along.
From <https://sites.google.com/site/4ukinglear/home/blindness-sight>
From <https://sites.google.com/site/4ukinglear/home/blindness-sight>
From <http://www.shmoop.com/king-lear/vision-blindness-symbol.html>
= in pride can't see rightly - act in ultiately self-destructive ways - destroy those around you - ironically maddness helps himsee better than proud king before maddness!
Point of - need a bit more maddness - fallen human race out of skew with pride…
From <https://www.google.ca/search?q=%22see+thou+better%22&oq=%22see+thou+better%22&aqs=chrome..69i57.11862j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#safe=active&q=king+lear+see+better>
Recent anniversary of fall of Sadam Hussain - pictures of father and sons - and reminder how captured… public falls usually move away… witness protection plan - live avoiding limelight… but here restored with a message = like reading pasto's book on burn-out; depression… on cancer survivor… Wolfe - life after cancer…
Life-tree, stump bound with iron!!!
Chapter 4 is written in the form of a letter. It contains the general features of letters: an opening, greeting, blessing, body, and closing. Written primarily from the first-person perspective of Nebuchadnezzar, ch. 4 was to be distributed throughout the world as a testimony to the power of the Most High God
v.1-3 This section comprises the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar’s letter to his realm. It details his third and final encounter with the God of Israel, which resulted in the king’s humiliation and ultimate restoration. Written after the events of vv. 28–33, it begins by extolling the signs and wonders of the Most High God.
v.4 = Another power encounter - and use of signs and wonders from v.3 =
4:4 was content In contrast to the Jewish captives.
Nebuchadnezzar receives a vision of condemnation while enjoying the opulence and splendor of palace life. Meanwhile, he has laid waste to God’s city and carried His people off to captivity. Additionally, he has not humbled himself, despite two clear indications of God’s power. God is about to display the power that the Babylonians thought He lacked (see 1:2 and note).
Cf. Boniface = show down!
4:6-12 = global vision and provision for whole world - sustenance for all humans and animals from tree
4:13 a watcher The Aramaic term used here is a term for a watchman (or watcher) related to a verb for being awake and alert. In Second Temple Judaism, the “Watchers” were fallen angels (see 1 Enoch 1–36). The being here is identified as a “holy one” coming down from heaven, indicating this figure is an angel acting as a messenger of Yahweh.
4:17 by the decree of the watchers See v. 13. The members of God’s heavenly host participate in God’s rule by carrying out God’s decree (v. 24). Sometimes this participation may have involved making decisions (compare ).
Acknowledges one of two themes = = King of Kings, and revealer of mysteries! HE IS SOVEREIGN 4:17! = "the Most High rules the Kingdom of men."
4:19 distress at being bearer of bad news - fear = in sharing gospel too only makes sense on dark black velvet of our sin to place diamond gem of gospel!
4:20 its height reached to heaven Refers to the king’s rebellious arrogance; pride was the reason for his temporary downfall. This phrase reflects the language of and .
4:21 provision for all Meets the needs of the subjects of his empire and beyond. This sufficiency contributed to his pride.
PROPHETIC HOPE OF MERCY =
4:27 a prolongation of your prosperity Daniel instructs the king to atone for his sins by pursuing righteousness and mercy. Although the decree is firm, he sees the possibility of postponing its fulfillment through repentance.
This passage is commonly cited as an example of salvation by works. However, since Daniel knows nothing of NT salvation doctrine, his advice to Nebuchadnezzar should not be cited as support for this position. His point here is similar to Jonah’s in : The king has sinned and now faces God’s wrath; however, God may be gracious if the king repents and does what is right.
Daniel's counsel = Advice; adviser, especially on legal matters (such as a lawyer). In Bible times a counselor in a king’s court was like a U.S. cabinet member today. A counselor might at times have been in line to succeed the king. Ahithophel, counselor to David and Absalom, gave advice as sound as the “oracle of God” (). The elders of Israel counseled King Rehoboam (), as did the friends with whom Rehoboam had grown up (), although his friends gave poor advice. The Bible mentions official counselors in Egypt () and Babylon (, ).
A wise person seeks counsel when making plans: “Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed” (). One’s counselors may be one’s parents (), older people (), prophets (), wise men (), or friends ( KJV). Some counselors are evil, giving deceitful advice ().
According to the Bible, God also counsels. He frustrates the counsel of “the nations who oppose him” ( LB), but his own counsel endures for many generations (). No one may counsel the Lord (). His Messiah is called “Wonderful Counselor” ().
In the NT the Spirit counsels or comforts believers (, ). Christ sends the Holy Spirit to his people (), and the Spirit, also called the Spirit of truth, bears witness to Christ (). The ascended Jesus Christ is seen as a counselor in God’s heavenly court (, advocate).
= Jesus counsel to you and I tonight = repent for kingdom of God is at hand!
= v.34 do you bless the Most High, praise and honour him who lives forever
4:28 Pri9de of babylon reduced to a mere animal forced to live outside - confirms Daniel's relationship with God who reveals mysteries!
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